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How long do breast implants last?

Breast Augmentation / Surgical Tips

6 Apr 2020

How long do breast implants last

Are you looking into a breast augmentation, but you’re wondering how long your new implants will last? Or, have you had breast implants for several years, and you’re wondering whether it’s time for a check-up?

As a general rule, it's reasonable to expect your breast augmentation surgery to last 10 or more years, and often women seek a change at that point for reasons more closely related to changes in their body shape, than problems with their implants.

Things like weight changes, subsequent babies, and just the passage of time given the impact of gravity, can make breasts look different from the period immediately following surgery. This is just the same as for women who have never had surgery.


Do breast implants come with a warranty?

I only use the highest quality of breast implants and our Mentor implants come with a 10 year warranty. This is important because medical devices like implants can fail and it is important that the manufacturer will replace them if needed.


Do I need to replace my breast implants after 10 years?

There is no definitive answer to this question – it is important to remember that everyone is different and may or may not require revision at different points in time. While some patients may seek a revision before the 10 year mark, we have known other patients who have gone decades with their original implants still intact.


What checks should I have for my implants?

We strongly advise our patients to follow the normal breast check process all women are asked to including monthly self-exams and regularly mammograms (although always tells your provider you have implants and some screening clinics prefer ultrasound for women with implants). More information about mammograms is here

If you suspect something is not quite right, please don’t delay in seeking medical advice.


What if I have a concern about my implants?

Should you have any concerns about your breast surgery results, contact your original surgeon, or myself if you had surgery here, for advice on a plan to get to the bottom of the issue. This may include visiting your GP and undergoing an ultrasound or MRI scan to assess the situation, as this is a requirement before any revision breast surgery.


How do I know if my implants need removing or replacing?

Complications which may arise after breast augmentation include implant rupture and capsular contracture, which will require an implant removal revision surgery.  As outlined above, this is the time to contact your original surgeon or an experienced Plastic Surgeon for review.

If you are not experiencing the symptoms above but are no longer happy with the appearance of your breast implants due to pregnancy, weight fluctuation or general ageing, you may consider an implant removal, breast lift or implant replacement surgery to return your breasts to a more desirable shape and position.


How can I maximise the longevity of my implants?

There are several precautions that you can take to maximise the longevity of your implants, and it is very important that you follow your post-operative instructions diligently. Our top 5 tips would be:


1.    Choose your surgeon carefully. 

  • For the best possible result, you should choose a Plastic Surgeon who specialises in breast and body surgery. They should have the credentials FRACS (Plas Surg) after their name.

2.    Ease back into exercise after the procedure.

  • This is especially important, as rushing back to your regular exercise regime before the wounds have completely healed will compromise your result.

3.    Save the braless look for special nights out. 

  • Although you will look and feel like you can go braless (yay!), all breasts, regardless of surgery, are subject to gravity. It is very important to wear a supportive bra everyday, especially for exercise.

4.    Try to avoid large weight fluctuations.

  • Weight gain can cause the breast tissue to sag and lose elasticity. Maintaining a steady weight within 5kg of your pre surgery weight will help to preserve the outcome.

5.    Avoid pregnancy within the first 12 months. 

  • Falling pregnant soon after surgery will take a toll on your breasts as the healing phase will not be completed. Of course, weight gain as a result of the preganancy may also change the appearance of your breasts.


I'm ready - how can I book a consultation?

To book, just call one of our friendly team on 4920 7700.


Want to learn more?

Discover more about breast augmentation, including information on hospital arrangements, recovery and a 3D animation of the procedure by visiting our breast augmentation page.


Dr Nicholas Moncrieff

Blog Author:

Dr Nicholas Moncrieff, Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon

About Dr Moncrieff

Dr Moncrieff focuses exclusively on breast reductions, breast lifts, breast augmentation, tummy tucks and body lifts.

He is one of only a handful of Plastic Surgeons across Australia with this sole breast and body focus.

Dr Moncrieff has performed thousands of surgical procedures over more than two decades in medicine. Over 20,000 of these procedures have been in Newcastle.

More information about Dr Moncrieff is available here.

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